Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Welcome 2025

We are at the end of February and I'm finally making a post on the blog.  Here is a picture I found on my phone that Cecilia may or may not have taken.


 

Mary also started her altar server training at the end of January.  I didn't get a chance to witness it until the week was up.

Mary was of course trained by Cecilia.
Father Bozzi insisted we take a picture.
George turned 15!  He loves it when I take his picture at breakfast.
Becca and I made the drive down to Springfield to see her award winning art piece, Barred Breathe.  She was award a Golden Key, which I have learned is a kinda big deal.  

She has also won Best in Show since this picture was taken for the same piece at Illinois State. 
Mary also had her 9th birthday.  It was celebrated over three days so that Dad could be home.


This is on her actual birthday.
She had a basketball game that evening as well.

Mike had his first trip over the ocean last week to Finland, Germany, and Poland.  Sadly, he didn't get to see much besides his hotel rooms and copper mines.  This is him coming down from the gate in Peoria.

That's it for now.  We are busy wrapping up middle school volleyball as well as 2-3 grade basketball, in the middle of two Scholastic Bowl seasons, Scouts for everyone, and are gearing up for track next week.  We hope all who read this are well and happy and that we may see you again soon.

Friday, January 3, 2025

Closing Out 2024

We did our annual Christmas tree hunt with only 3 kids this year and Tilly.  It was a warmer day so we didn't need to wear heavy coats, or any coat at all.











Mike took the first cut...

...then George...



















...followed by Mary...



















...and ending with Cecilia.



















It took a couple of days but this is what it looks like all gussied up.

For the Spanish song at the St. Pat's Christmas Concert, Mary had to dress up as a sheep.  I think I did a pretty good job on the costume with only a weeks notice, don't you agree>

One morning, I came out to find Tilly pampering herself on my small pillow.





The 3rd and 4th graders formed a choir and sang at Lessons & Carols as well one of the Christmas Eve Masses.  Mary was excited to sing like the rest of the family.



Becca took a ceramics class this past semester and made some beautiful things.  

These fairy bookends are my favorites.



I was so busy having fun with family, I did not take many useable pictures but I have a few.


We ended the year with Patrick turning 19.  He loves having his picture taken!


















I can't say I'm sorry to see 2024 end but it had it's own blessings to share with us.  I'm hoping 2025 is filled with love, forgiveness, unity, and peace for all of you.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

November and a Pinch of December

 

We begin November with 2 birthdays.  This year Becca is 17 and Cecilia is 12.  Sharing birthday can't be easy but the girls are great about taking turns.













Mary and I had the pleasure of watching the girls swim team win sections for the 2nd time in row.  Mary is sitting right next to the glass in the balcony.

Waiting for the announcement...



...and hearing that they won.






We need a selfie.

More middle school girls basketball for Cecilia.




I checked in on Mary one night to see that she had built a little pillow house for herself to sleep in.

Patrick got to enjoy some middle school basketball as well last week when he as home for Thanksgiving.  I asked if the place seems smaller and he said yes.

The big news this week is that Becca passed her Eagle Board of Review!  We don't have a date for the ceremony yet but we are extremely proud of her.




















I'm sure the next post will be about the Christmas season.  We continue to pray for all of you and hope you do the same for us.

October 2024

Mike is still coaching soccer for the kids but only Mary is still playing. 


Fall also means XC and girls basketball overlap.  After a tournament at St. Vincent's we attended Mass.  I love the wood Stations of the Cross above the stained class windows.


Speaking of basketball...

Mary was missing Patrick so she made her own dorm room in the laundry basket.
Becca went to another high school Homecoming dance with her friend.



George also MC'ed a Court of Honor for Scouts as part of his Communication merit badge requirements.

Yes, he needs a hair cut.

Patrick got a long weekend off of college so he came home.  This picture was taken right after Mary flung herself across the room at him.

The 3rd grade does a biography project every year and Mary elected to be Susan B. Anthony.


What October would be complete without Halloween.  Mike went at the Dread Pirate McRoberts.

Mary is a zombie cheerleader and Becca and her friend are Perry the Platypus and Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

That's it for October.  I'll be back soon with November.




Little Hats

Where Little Hats Play